The Howell High School football team is a blank slate going into 2018.
In 2017, Howell registered a 10-2 record and reached the NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 5 sectional playoff semifinals.
The Rebels lost to Lenape High School, 63-28, in the state playoff semifinal. Lenape went on to win the South Jersey Group 5 state title.
It was a successful 2017, in large part, because Howell had a talented, senior-laden lineup and roster.
Now, with 2018 approaching, that lineup is mostly gone. Only one consistent starter, running back/outside linebacker Gerard Urso, is back, and he’s hurt.
Urso was moving around on crutches at practice on Aug. 29. He hopes to be ready by week two or three.
So, when Howell opens the season at home against Central Regional High School on Sept. 7, it will have a whole new lineup, on both sides of the ball. The Rebels’ three senior captains, Urso, wide receiver/linebacker Pete Cantillo and tackle/defensive end Matt Jacobs, are not worried. They believe they have the tenacity to make up for their talent and experience gaps.
“We got new kids on the field. That doesn’t mean we can’t do good things. We’re not the best team, but we’ll bring it,” Cantillo said. “We expect to get a ring.”
“We’re one of the toughest teams out here and we’re ready to hit people,” Urso said. “Smash mouth type team. We’re always bringing it, every second of every quarter.”
“Some teams have speed. Some teams have talent,” Jacobs said. “We’re going to come out and hit people.”
Cantillo and Jacobs were not full-time starters last year. But they started some games and played a lot. Howell will count on them to lead with Urso out for the first game or two.
Jacobs should start on both lines. Cantillo should start at linebacker and play the slot receiver role.
“I hit kids a lot and get after kids,” Cantillo said. “I also talk to guys a lot and make sure everyone is ok.”
“I lead the O and D line. I’m vocal and I try to help the kids,” Jacobs said. “We have a young team, so as an older kid, I have experience. I need to teach them.”
Around those guys, Howell is one big question mark.
Six or seven linemen are competing for playing time on both sides of the ball. Two or three backs/linebackers are fighting for carries and defensive snaps. Four or five players are battling for receiving and secondary time.
Sinkhorn is not sure what his lineup will look like on Sept. 7.
The whole season will be an experiment.
“A lot of guys are gaining experience on the run here. We’re eager. They are going to make mistakes. But we are going to keep getting better,” Sinkhorn said. “It’s a constant process. But we’re getting there, step by step. All spots are open, seniors, juniors, sophomores. We’re hoping to achieve a culture of competitiveness where the best guys show up.”
All this inside competition is having one major benefit. A lot of players are working hard to get better and earn playing time, which means a lot are improving at once. By the time the season starts, and throughout the fall, Sinkhorn expects to have a lot of options at each position.
He even said the Rebels are deeper than they were in 2017. Howell is at least deeper on paper. The program has 15 more players than it did last year (71 versus 56).
“We don’t have the explosive guys, but we have depth,” Sinkhorn said. “The seniors will develop as good leaders. With the juniors we got some good talent. We got some sophomores that are showing up. We’re excited.”
Sinkhorn is especially excited about junior quarterback Jason Caston. The 5-foot-11, 175 pound signal-caller was Howell’s backup last year, and he played at the end of blowout wins.
The experience proved valuable. Caston has looked confident in practice this preseason.
“He’s doing well for us. He’s throwing the ball well,” Sinkhorn said. “The biggest thing for him is being a leader when he gets sacked or a guy misses a block or something like that. Being a positive leader.”
Howell has depth, some leaders and a clear starting quarterback. The Rebels also have the right attitude.
But with so many other question marks, Sinkhorn is not specifying his expectations.
“We’re focused on winning our first game, Central, and then getting ready for the next game,” Sinkhorn said. “We don’t want to focus on too much. Just Central on Sept. 7.”
